Machine for casting curved stereotype printing-plates.



C. E. HOPKINS. MACHINE FOR CASTING CURVED STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLAlES.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT.28, I912. RENEWED OCT. 28 I918.

Patented Dec. 17, 1918.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

. C. E. HOPKINS. MACHINE FOR CASTING CURVED STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES. APPLICATION mu) SEPLZB, 1912. RENEWED ocr. 28.1918.

1,288,001. Patented Dev. 17, 1918.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

C. E. HOPKINS.

MACHINE FOR CASTING CURVE!) STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION HLED SEPT.2B, 1912. RENEWED OCT. 2B. 1918.

Patented Dec. 17, 1918.

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4 c E. HOPKINS. MACHINE FOR CASTING CURVED STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATlON FILED SEPT.28 I912. RENEWED OCT- 28. I918.

1,288,001 a Paten tvd 'Dec. 17, 1918.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

m a 1% Wm CHARLES E. HOPKINS, 0F PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY.

MACHINE FOR CASTING CURVED STEREOTYPE PRINTING-PLATES.

Application filed September 28, 1912, Serial No. 722,857. Renewed October 28, 1918.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES E. HOPKINS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Plainfield, in the county of Union and State of New Jersey, have invented a new and useful Machine for Casting Curved Stereotype Printing-Plates, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an improved apparatus for producing curved Stereotype printing plates in which the curved plate is cast with its axis horizontal, and is an improvement over my application entitled Machine for making stereotype prlntlng plates filed Aug. 5, 1912, Serial No. 713,283.

The principal objects of the invention are to provide a simple and practicable form of apparatus for casting a curved stereotype plate with its axis horizontal; to provide a simple and mechanically effective lock for locking the core with respect to the back and the extension for the riser at the same time; to provide a movable matrix lock for the other edge of the mold operable with the locking device so that only one movement is required to lock the parts of the mold together and fix the matrix in position, or to release the said parts; to provide an exceedingly simple arrangement for separating the plate from the core operated solely by the movement of the core itself; to provide a form of counterweighting device for the movable part of the mold which shall act to assist in raising it from casting position as the mold is opened, and also assist in raising it from its open position when the mold is to be closed. Further objects and advantages of the 1n.- vention will appear hereinafter.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings. in which Figure 1 is a plan of a machine constructed in accordance with this invention;

Fig. 2 is a front view of the same with parts broken away to show interior construction Fig. 3 is an end view taken from the casting end of the machine showing the parts ready for the casting operation;

Fig. 4 is a similar view showing the mold open and the plate separated from the core;

Fig. 5 is an end view taken from the opposite end of the machine showing the parts in casting position;

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 17, 1918.

Serial No. 260,068.

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of the casting chamber on enlarged scale; and

ig. 7 is a still further enlarged cross sectional view of a portion of the casting box.

The machine is shown as comprising a main frame consisting of two side frames 10 and 11, and three cross pieces 12, 13 and 14. The mold itself consists of two parts, a concave back 15 and a convex core 16, these parts being shown hollow for convenience in cooling the same, as is well understood in this art. The back is bolted at its curved ends to the adjacent faces of the cross pieces 12 and 13, and it forms the connection on the rear side between said cross pieces. The back 15 is positioned preferably so that one of its straight edges is higher than the opposite one.

Beyond the lower straight edge of the back is a longitudinal shaft 17 on which is fixed a bracket 18- which carries the core 16 and permits the core to swing back and forth into and out of the back. The core has a handle 19 by which it is operated. The shaft 17 is mounted in bearings on the cross pieces 12 and 13. For the purpose of assisting in its operation the shaft 17 is provided with a gear segment 20 which meshes with another gear segment 21 on a shaft 22 below it. This latter shaft is provided with an arm 23, on which is a counterweight 24. These gear segments are so designed that the arm is adapted to turn from a substantially horizontal position indicated in Fig. 3 to a substantially horizontal position indicated in Fig. 4. It will be seen therefore that the counterweight, when in either extreme position, will tend to move down toward a central vertical position, and thus tend to lift the convex core from its position in the fixed back or from its extreme open position as the case may be. In other words, it tends constantly to move the pivoted core up into an upright central position. In this way it assists the operator at the beginning of each movement. Although it opposes him at the ending of the movement, that occurs only after a certain momentum has been attained. It also acts to resist a too sudden closing of the mold and to reduce the chance of injury to the cast plate or other parts when the mold is opened. I

The casting chamber is provided with 6, comes down over suitable end rings for forming the end walls thereof between the core and back, which are pivoted on the shaft 17 and are provided with a horizontal connecting bar 26 located near the pivot ends of the rings to cause them to move in unison. An operating handle 2? is attached to one of the rings for moving them. These rings overlap the curved margin of the matrix and are formed with the usual bevel to form a co responding bevel on he curved ends of the stereo type plate. T is can be done as shown in Fig. 21 of the patent to Henry A. l' ilise ll ood, No. 1,009,206, patented llovei'nber 21, 191i.

For the purpose leading the metal into the mold in continuous stream and without suddenly changing the course, the mold is arranged in such position that the upper part of the semi-cylindrical mold cavity is nearly vertical, and the core is provided with a fixed riser extension 29 extending vertically upward when the core is in its closed position. Similarly the fixed casting box is provided with an ext :ision 3O pivoted to swing on a horizontal axis 31 to a vertical position and provided with an operating handle 3O and stops These extensions register to form a pouring gate in wnich the riser is cast. On the interior of the extension is a horizontal notch and on the inner surface oi the extension is a horizontal notch 3% of a. larger size and nearer the extreme or outer end ot the riser.

Sn the lower edge of tno extension 80 is a fixed lip 35 which, when the extension is swung over into the position shown in the straight edge of the matrix and clamps it in position. For the purpose of clamping the opposite edge of the matrix the core is provided with a movable matrix clamp 36. This is adapted to slide radially in guides (not shown) at the edge of too mold cavity and is connected with a bar 87 on each end of the core which bars are provided with eccentric straps 38 mounted on eccentrics 39 on a shalt %O. This shaft is provided with a handle d1 for oscillating it, and it will be obvious that its oscillation will result in operating the matrix clamp 36. Turning with the shaft ll) are eccentrics 42, one of which is on the handle for receiving pins 43 in locking bars i Those looking bars are provided with longitudinal slots and 4-5 for receiving the shaft to and guide pins #16 onthe core for guiding them. The are provided with projections l? at one end for engaging studs as and s9 on the back and the pivoted extension 30 thereoi respectively. It will be seen, therefore, that when the handle 41 is operated to clamp the matrix it also causes this locking bar to engage the two studs and lock the core to the bac x and the pivoted riser extension to both of them.

It will be noted that the core is provided with a rigid arm projecting therefrom having a cam surface 51 thereon. As the core swings over from casting to delivering position this arm engages a roller 52 on an arm fixed on a longitudinal shaft 54. On this shaft is another arm 55 having a plate 56 thereon which, when moved into the position shown in Fig. by the arm 50, is in a position to engage under a projection 1' on he riser R of the cast printing plate P, this thus supported on both sides as the core moves down from it to the position shown in Fig. s. This leaves the stereotype plate tree to be moved longitudinally along the plate 56 and the guide 57. The plate is caused to move longitudinally from this point on guideways and 61 under the shaving arch 62. The shaving arch is not stationary as is usually t ie case, but is made movable up and down to permit the plate to enter and to hold it thereon.

The notch in the riser extension 29 forms a second horizontal rib r near the base of the riser R- for the purpose of assisting in supporting the plate while it is being finished. one 01 the guide ways 60. The details of the finishing mechanism are not set forth herein as that constitutes the subject matter of a separate application for patent filed by me on the 28th day of September, 1912, Serial do. 722 58.

The operation of the machine is very simpie. T e operator first places the casting members in the position shown in Fig. 1. e then places the ordinary flexible matrix i. position against the concave upper side of the baelr. laving the matrix in position he swings the end rings down and over the curved ecges of the matrix bolster. Then he turns the pivoted extension 30 over toward the concave side of the back to cause the lip 35 thereon to overlap and engage the upper straight side of the matrix. He now closes the chamber by rocking the core on its pivot from the open position to the position shown in Figs. 3 and 6. The casting chamber now being closed, he grasps the locking handle ll and lifts up on it, which action simultaneously pushes the matrix bar 36 into engagement with the lower side edge The rib then rests on the top of of the matrix and advances the locking bar 4L4 into engagement with the studs 48 and as. This looks the core to the back and the extension 30 to both. The casting chamber is now closed and locked ready to receive a charge of metal through the open mouth of the gate located at the top between the extensions 29 and 30. The metal entering this gate passes directly down into the casting chamber without any sudden change of direction so that no splashing takes place and there is comparatively little danger of the introduction of air. Moreover the main part of the chamber having a continuously increasing angle of elevation from the bottom, there is full chance for any air bubbles to escape. I

The ejection of the cast plate is provided for by substantially a reverse operation. The handle 41 is pushed down to unlock the parts, the extension 30 turned over to the position shown in Fig. 4, thus releasing the core and matrix. The operator then turns the core by its handle 19 to swing it out of the box and over toward the position shown in Fig. 4 carrying the cast plate with it. Toward the end of this swinging operation the arm 50 comes into contact with the roller 52 and moves the plate 56 inwardly so as to engage under the rib 1" and hold up the cast plate at that side while the core drops down to its final position, with the edges of the extension 29 resting on the bearing 64 of the shaft 54, the cast plate being supported by the bar 56 and the fixed guide 57 as stated. Then the operator removes the flexible matrix from the type face of the cast plate, and turns the end rings 25 up into the position shown in Fig. 4:, after which he can push the plate longitudinally along these guides into the finishing mechanism as has been stated.

Although I have illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention, I am aware of the fact that the same can be carried out in many other ways without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the claims. Therefore I do not wish to be limited to all the details of construction herein shown and described, but what I do claim is 1. In a curved stereotype plate casting mold, the combination of a concave back, a relatively movable convex core, a movable extension on the back for a riser, a lip on said extension adapted to come into position to clamp the edge of a matrix against the back when said extension is moved into operative position, and a radially slidable matrix clamp at the other side of the mold.

2. In a curved stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination of a segmental back, a core, movable means attached to one side of the core for clamping the edge of a matrix positioned in the back, pivoted means at the opposite side of the back for clamping the opposite edge of a matrix, and means for moving the matrix clamp attached to the core into engagement with the matrix.

3. In a stereotype casting apparatus, the combination of a back, a core connected therewith, a movable matrix clamp carried by the core, and oscillatable eccentrics for moving the matrix clamp into and out of its operative position.

at. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination of a back, a core, means for moving the core toward and from the back, a movable matrix clamp carried by the core toward and from the back, and means for moving the matrix clamp into and out of its operative position.

5. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination of a back, a core, movable means attached to the core for clamping the edge of a matrix in the back, means on the back for clamping the opposite edge of the matrix, and means for locking the core and back together and simultaneously moving the matrix clamp on the core into engagement with the matrix.

6. In a curved stereotype casting apparatus, the combination of a concave back located with its concave face up, a convex core pivoted at one side of the back, means for moving the core into or out of the back, a movable matrix clamp carried by the core, and oscillatable eccentrics for moving the matrix clamp into or out of its operative position.

7. In a curved stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination of a concave back located with its concave face up, a convex core pivoted at one side of the back, means for moving the core into or out of the back, a movable matrix clamp carried by the core to and from the back, and means for moving the matrix clamp into or out of its operative position.

8. In a curved stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination of a segmental back, a core, end rings positioned between the core and back, movable means attache-d to one side of the core for clamping the edge of a matrix positioned in the back, means at the opposite side of the back for clamping the opposite edge of the matrix, and means for locking the core and back together and simultaneously moving the mp.- trix clamp attached to the core into engagement with the matrix.

9. In a curved stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination of a concave back and a convex core pivoted on an axis near one straight edge of the back, aid back having a stud thereon near the other straigl'it edge, a locking bar slidable on the flat side of the core, a handle pivoted on said core,

and means connected with the handle for moving said locking bar into and out of locking position against said stud.

10. In a. curved stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination of a concave back, a. pivoted riser extension on one of the straight edges thereof, a convex core pivoted to turn on an axis adjacent to the other straight edge of the back, said back and pivoted extension, each having a stud thereon adjacent to each other, a movable locking bar on the core, a handle pivoted on the core, and means connected with the handle for moving said locking bar into engagement with said studs for locking the core and extension to the back.

11. in a curved stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination of a fixed concave back, a movable convex core adapted to enter the back, a riser extension i'novably mounted on the back, an extension on the core adapted to register with said movable extension when the core is in casting position in the back, and means on the core for simultaneously locking the core and movable extension to the back.

12. In a curved stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination of a fixed concave back located at a lateral inclination, a convex core pivoted to said back on an axis beyond the lower straight edge or the back, said back having a stud thereon near the upper edge, a locking bar radially slidable on the core, a handle pivoted at the center of said core and having means thereon for moving said locking bar into and out ct locking position against said stud, a matrix clamp movably mounted on the core. and means connected with said handle for operating said clamp.

13. In a stereotype plate casting appa- "atus, the combination of fixed part and a swinging part adapted to constitute a mold, a matrix clamp movablv mounted on the swinging part, and means for simultaneously moving said matrix clamp into position to clamp the edges of a matrix and locking said parts together.

14. In a curved stereotype plate casting apparatus, a concave back positioned with its concave side up, a convex core pivoted at one side of the back, and a pivoted counter-balance weight for the core arranged to move in the same horizontal direction as the positions.

back, a convex core connect back, said back having a stuc its edge, a locking bar radiall r the core, a handle pivoted at the c the core and having means thereon to ing said locking bar into and out of 1 position against said stud, a matrix movably mounted on the core, an

apparatus, the combination 0..

connected with said handle for operating said clamp.

16. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination of a back and core constituting the two parts of a mold, one of said parts being mounted to swing on an axis, said. swinging part having a gear segment fixed thereto concentric-with the axis upon which it turns, a second gear segment meshing with the first named gear segment and adapted to turn on an axis below the first named axis, an arm fixed with respect to the second gear segment, and a counterweight on said arm.

17. In a curved stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination of a back and core constituting the two parts of a mold, one of said parts being mounted to swing on an axis adjacent to one of the straight edges of said mold, said swinging part having a gear segment fixed thereto concentric with the axis upon which it turns, a second gear segment meshing with the first name l. ar segment and adapted to turn on an axis, an arm fixed with respect to the second gear segment and movable with the other gear segment and movable part of the mold from a position substantially horizontal under the fixed part of the mold to a substan tially horizontal opposite position, and a counterweight on said arm.

18. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination of a core movable from casting position to delivering position, and means operable by the core for moving into the path of a cast plate thereon to engage the plate and hold it up while the core moves to its extreme position.

19. In a curved stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination of a convex core movable to a delivering position with its convex side uppermost, and provided with an arm thereon, a shaft having an arm in position to be engaged by the first named arm as the core moves down to delivering position, and means operated by said shaft for engaging a plate on the core and holding it up as the core moves down to separate the plate from the core.

20. In a curved stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination of a concave back, a convex core, the space between them forming a curved casting chamber, means located at one side of the back for supporting a stereotype plate cast in the chamber, and means operated by the core for moving the supporting means into position to receive the st reotype plate as it is being moved from the casting chamber toward the supporting means.

21. In a curved stereotype plate casting apparatus the combination of a concave'back, a convex core, the space between them forming a curved casting chamber, means for supporting a stereotype plate located at one side of the back, and means carried by the core for moving the supporting means into position to receive a stereotype plate as it is being moved from the casting chamber to the said supporting means.

22. In a curved stereotype plate making machine, the combination of a mold provided with a gate for forming the riser of a curved stereotype printing plate, said gate having recesses on opposite sides for producing longitudinal ribs on opposite sides of the riser, means for engaging one of said ribs as the mold is opened to separate the cast plate from the core of the mold, a finishing mechanism, and means in the finishing mechanism for engaging the other rib and holding that side of the plate while being finished.

23. In a curved stereotype plate making machine, a casting mechanism, a shaving mechanism, a shaving arch, means for delivering a stereotype plate, cast in the casting mechanism, into alinement with the arch, supports beneath the arch, means over which the plate can be moved to said supports, and means for swinging the arch about one edge so as to hold the plate in position on the supports while being shaved.

24. In a stereotype casting apparatus the combination with a mold comprising a back, a core and extensions therefrom for forming a riser, said core being constructed and arranged to be moved into a position with the cast plate supported on the top thereof and in such position that the riser will depend from one edge of the same, of a movable horizontal bar in position to engage under said riser to hold it up so as to separate it from the core when the core is moved clown- Wardly from the plate.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

ALBERT E. FAY, G. FORREST WESSON.

copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G. 

